Red-spotted Hairstreak
Common NameRed-spotted Hairstreak
Scientific NameMinistrymon sanguinalis
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsreddish-brown, white, gray
HabitatArid and semi-arid regions, desert washes, canyons, scrublands
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) and Mexico
Host PlantsAcacia greggii, Acacia constricta
Flight PeriodMarch to November
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant buds or young leaves. Larvae feed on flowers and young pods/leaves, with multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the unique mottled reddish-brown and white pattern on the underside of the wings and the absence of tails, which is uncommon for many hairstreaks.
Description
A small hairstreak with a distinctive mottled underside pattern of irregular reddish-brown and white patches on a grayish-brown background.
